Terminals at IAH
Getting to George Bush Intercontinental
Parking at IAH
Lounges at IAH
Top destinations from IAH
Airlines at IAH
5 things you didn't know about George Bush Intercontinental
Verified by the CompareFlights team- 1IAH handles more flights to Mexico than any other US airport — Continental Airlines (now United) built the network specifically as a 'gateway to Latin America' alternative to Miami's AA hub.
- 2The airport was renamed for George H.W. Bush (the elder Bush) in 1997 — Houston was his hometown and his presidential library is located on the Texas A&M campus 100 miles away.
- 3IAH's Skytrain (the Inter-Terminal Train) runs entirely underground — one of the few US airport people movers built below grade rather than elevated, due to the area's hurricane risk.
- 4United Airlines operates the largest aircraft maintenance hangar in the United States at IAH — large enough to accommodate two Boeing 777s side by side with room to walk around them.
- 5Terminal D was specifically designed for two-decker A380 aircraft when built in 2003 — the gates have double-jet-bridge configurations even though no airline has ever flown an A380 to IAH commercially.
Frequently asked about IAH
Which terminal does United use at IAH?
United operates from Terminals B, C and E. Mainline domestic United flights mostly use Terminal C; United Express regional flights use Terminal B; and United international long-haul departs from Terminal E, where the Polaris Lounge is located. Through-passengers can move airside between B, C, D and E via the Subway people mover and Skyway.
How early should I arrive at IAH for an international flight?
Three hours before departure is the standard recommendation for international flights from Terminal D or Terminal E. United's heavy Latin America evening bank at Terminal E and trans-Atlantic banks at Terminal D produce dense queues. Domestic departures need two hours during morning peak.
Is there a train from IAH to downtown Houston?
There is no direct rail link. The METRORail Red Line ends at Northline Transit Center, where you transfer to the METRO Route 102 Bush IAH Express bus. Combined journey time is around 60-75 minutes. Most travellers find rideshare or the direct 102 express bus more practical.
What's the cheapest way from IAH to downtown Houston?
METRO Route 102 Bush IAH Express bus at $3.75 one-way is the cheapest direct option, with a journey time of around 60 minutes to the Downtown Transit Center. Rideshare averages $35-65 and taxis a flat-rate $75. The Sam Houston Tollway adds significant time during peak.
Is there a hotel inside IAH?
Yes — the Houston Airport Marriott sits inside the airport ring road, accessible from Terminal C by a short covered walkway via the Subway people mover. It is the only hotel physically connected to the terminal complex. Several brand hotels along JFK Boulevard offer free shuttles.